Podcast
Questions and Answers
According to Steffen's perspective, what is the ethical presumption regarding the use of force in conflict resolution?
According to Steffen's perspective, what is the ethical presumption regarding the use of force in conflict resolution?
- Force is always permissible in self-defense.
- Force is never justifiable, even in self-defense.
- Force should be employed as a last resort. (correct)
- Force should be used as a first resort to resolve conflicts.
What is the basis for the traditional exceptions allowing for justifiable war within the just war framework?
What is the basis for the traditional exceptions allowing for justifiable war within the just war framework?
- Practical considerations of state sovereignty and national security.
- Absolute ethical principles that prioritize individual rights.
- Consequentialist calculations that weigh the benefits against the costs.
- The need to protect innocent civilians and ensure self-defense. (correct)
How does Steffen's perspective on ethical decision-making relate to rule consequentialism?
How does Steffen's perspective on ethical decision-making relate to rule consequentialism?
- He sees his perspective as a more complex form of rule consequentialism, incorporating a moral presumption against force. (correct)
- He completely rejects rule consequentialism as a basis for ethical decision-making.
- He adopts a purely utilitarian perspective, prioritizing the greatest good for the greatest number.
- He views rule consequentialism as a simplified approach that fails to account for individual rights.
What is a key criticism of Steffen's perspective on ethical decision-making?
What is a key criticism of Steffen's perspective on ethical decision-making?
What makes Steffen's perspective appealing for resolving ethical issues?
What makes Steffen's perspective appealing for resolving ethical issues?
Which ethical theory does Steffen criticize for its rigid adherence to principles, even when they conflict with practical realities?
Which ethical theory does Steffen criticize for its rigid adherence to principles, even when they conflict with practical realities?
What is the main problem with consequentialism, as identified by Steffen?
What is the main problem with consequentialism, as identified by Steffen?
What does Steffen propose as an alternative to both Kantianism and consequentialism?
What does Steffen propose as an alternative to both Kantianism and consequentialism?
What is the key element of natural law, as described by Steffen?
What is the key element of natural law, as described by Steffen?
How does Steffen relate his hybrid approach to the just war tradition?
How does Steffen relate his hybrid approach to the just war tradition?
According to Steffen, what is the core difference between his hybrid approach and traditional ethical theories?
According to Steffen, what is the core difference between his hybrid approach and traditional ethical theories?
Which of the following is NOT a criticism of traditional ethical theories that Steffen raises?
Which of the following is NOT a criticism of traditional ethical theories that Steffen raises?
What does Steffen suggest as the essential capacity that enables humans to engage in ethical decision-making?
What does Steffen suggest as the essential capacity that enables humans to engage in ethical decision-making?
Flashcards
Common Agreement in Just War
Common Agreement in Just War
A general principle that emphasizes avoiding the use of force to resolve conflicts.
Exceptions to Just War
Exceptions to Just War
Exceptions to the general principle that allow for the use of force under specific circumstances, such as self-defense or protecting innocent civilians.
Just War Framework
Just War Framework
A framework that outlines criteria for determining whether a war can be considered morally justifiable.
Hybrid Ethic
Hybrid Ethic
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Steffen's Perspective for Doing Ethics
Steffen's Perspective for Doing Ethics
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Natural Law
Natural Law
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Practical Reason
Practical Reason
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Ethical Absolutism
Ethical Absolutism
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Consequentialism
Consequentialism
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Kantian Ethics
Kantian Ethics
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Hybrid Ethical Approach
Hybrid Ethical Approach
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Just War Theory
Just War Theory
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Steffen's Hybrid Approach
Steffen's Hybrid Approach
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Study Notes
Lloyd Steffen's Hybrid Ethical Framework
- Steffen's work bridges ethical theory with lived experience, critiquing traditional theories like Kantian ethics (absolutism) and consequentialism (relativism).
- Kantian ethics faces issues due to its absolutist nature, exemplified by conflicts like protecting life vs. telling the truth (e.g., white lies).
- Consequentialism's focus on maximizing utility can justify actions that are generally considered wrong if they serve the greater good, such as lying to achieve maximum benefit.
- Steffen proposes a hybrid approach, taking aspects of duty/principles (avoiding absolutism) and consequences (avoiding relativism).
- This hybrid is rooted in natural law, asserting human rationality's ability to discern goodness.
- A key example of this hybrid approach is the "just war" tradition, suggesting that force is generally wrong but justifiable under specific circumstances (self-defense, protecting innocents), a moral presumption.
- The just war framework establishes criteria for when war is deemed justifiable.
- The just war tradition implies that force is not often the solution to conflict resolution but can be justified under specific criteria.
- An ethical approach to force usage is that force is not normally employed to resolve conflicts but is acceptable when necessary, using graduated responses.
- Steffen's hybrid ethics is arguably a form of rule consequentialism.
- Criticisms include abandoning ethical absolutism (like abortion debates) and alternative interpretations of natural law.
- Steffen's approach is practical, blending theory and practice, making it applicable to real-world situations.
- The author notes that the "hybrid ethic" is not described in standard ethics textbooks, suggesting its complexity and innovative nature.
- "Just lying" and "just cheating" are explored as concepts within the framework.
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